Your Hub for Public Health Accreditation
MOCPHE’s Accreditation Library is your go-to resource for achieving public health accreditation. Designed to support all 115 Local Public Health Agencies (LPHAs) in Missouri, the library offers essential tools, training, templates, and guidance to simplify the accreditation process.
Through our partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, we provide expert technical assistance to help LPHAs meet accreditation standards, whether through the Missouri Institute for Community Health (MICH) or the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).
Founded in 2013 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, MOCPHE operates as a forward-thinking systems leader, focusing on attainable, tangible, and measurable solutions delivered efficiently and professionally. Our growth in membership and influence stems from our history of forming partnerships with Local Public Health Agencies (LPHAs), central to our strategy of enhancing Missouri’s public health system and elevating the role of LPHAs as principal providers of public health services.
Accreditation Process
Q: I feel overwhelmed by the accreditation process. Where do I start?
A: A good place to start is by updating your Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). MICH and PHAB both require these documents to be completed and updated prior to applying for initial accreditation. Additionally, these documents will help provide a comprehensive understanding of your community’s health needs and priorities, which can guide your agency’s efforts and help align them with accreditation standards.
Consider seeking guidance from accreditation experts or reaching out to other accredited agencies for advice and support. Remember, MOCPHE is here to be your partner in navigating the accreditation journey and providing assistance along the way! Reach out to us at accreditation@mophi.org.
Q: What are the key differences between MICH and PHAB accreditation and how do I decide between the two?
A: Your health department has the flexibility to select the accrediting body that best suits your needs, and MOCPHE is committed to providing support regardless of your choice. Overall, while both MICH and PHAB aim to enhance public health quality and performance through accreditation, their differences lie in their geographic focus, scope of accreditation, and the specific and standards and criteria they apply.
Q: Are there any workshops, webinars, or training sessions available to help me understand the requirements and expectations?
A: Yes. There are several training sessions available to guide you through the process. Contact us for a list of learning events to join hosted by various entities.
MOCPHE will be starting three new cohorts (CHA/CHIP, Strategic Planning, and PHAB Reaccreditation) in Summer 2024 designed to help LPHAs at different stages in their accreditation journey.
Documentation and Requirements
Q: What documents do I need to submit for accreditation through MICH or PHAB?
A: MICH and PHAB maintain different documentation standards and submission requirements. However, both accrediting bodies mandate the inclusion of certain essential documents, including a Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), Strategic Plan, and Quality Improvement initiatives, as minimum requirements for accreditation.
Q: Can I receive assistance with preparing my documentation for accreditation?
A: As part of our contractual agreement with DHSS, we are committed to providing general assistance towards accreditation for LPHAs in Missouri. This assistance encompasses activities such as answering questions, connecting LPHAs to relevant resources, conducting meetings, and other related tasks.
Should an LPHA require more targeted assistance beyond the scope of our contractual obligations, MOCPHE is open to discussing the possibility of entering into a fee-for-service contract. This would enable us to provide specialized support tailored to specific needs and requirements.
Q: Who should I contact if I have specific questions about documentation?
A: For those seeking accreditation through MICH, contact support@michweb.org for any questions you may related to documentation requirements or standards and measures.
For those seeking accreditation through PHAB, emailing askPHAB@phaboard.org can help you better interpret Standards & Measures and answer your questions related to the Readiness Assessment.
MOCPHE has a PHAB Collaborative email where LPHAs can ask questions and share information related to documentation requirements phabcollaborative@mocphe.org.
Benefits of Accreditation
Q: What are the benefits of becoming accredited?
A: Accreditation demonstrates that an organization meets recognized standards of quality and excellence, enhancing its reputation and instilling confidence in stakeholders, clients, and the public.
Q: Will accreditation improve my organization’s reputation?
A: Accreditation demonstrates that the LPHA meets recognized standards of excellence in public health practice. This can enhance its credibility and reputation within the community it serves, as well as among stakeholders such as funders, policymakers, and partnering organizations.
Q: How does accreditation impact the jurisdiction my LPHA serves?
A: Accreditation signifies a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous quality improvement. This can help build trust and confidence among community members in the LPHA’s ability to effectively address public health needs.
Q: Are there financial incentives or reimbursement opportunities for accredited organizations?
A: Accredited organizations may have access to funding opportunities, grants, or resources that are exclusive to accredited LPHAs. This helps with investment in infrastructure, services, and programs that benefit residents and support community development.
Maintaining Accreditation
Q: What is required to maintain accreditation once it’s been awarded?
A: For MICH, accredited LPHAs are required to submit annual reports, detailing their progress and adherence to accreditation standards. These reports are due on the anniversary of the agency’s accreditation and should affirm continued compliance with all standards and measures.
For PHAB, accredited LPHAs are also required to submit annual reports. During the third or fourth year of the accreditation cycle, LPHAs have the option to undergo a readiness assessment following initial accreditation, aligning with the annual reporting cycle.
Q: How often do I need to undergo reaccreditation?
A: For MICH, the entire reaccreditation cycle spans five years. In the fourth year of the accreditation cycle, the LPHA should begin preparations for reaccreditation. This involves completing a new application, submitting required documents, and undergoing a site visit. As MICH continually assess the accreditation program, adjustments to the process and standards may be implemented.
For PHAB, the entire reaccreditation cycle also spans five years. The process unfolds as follows: application, documentation selection and submission, review (virtual site visit), accreditation decision, and additional reporting for reaccreditation purposes.
Q: Are there resources available to help my LPHA stay compliant between accreditation cycles?
A: Yes. Please navigate to resources in the links provided below contingent on your chosen accreditation entity to discover annual reporting requirements [MICH, PHAB].